Composer

:

Fanny Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Aug 28, 1843

Average_duration

:

2:26

"Dämmrung senkte sich von oben" is a Lied composed by Fanny Mendelssohn in 1846. It was premiered in Berlin on January 24, 1847, with Fanny's sister, the famous composer Felix Mendelssohn, accompanying on the piano. The song is part of a collection of six Lieder, Op. 1, which Fanny published in 1847. The song is set to a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which describes the beauty of a sunset. The text is full of vivid imagery, with the sun sinking below the horizon, the sky turning red and purple, and the birds flying home to their nests. Fanny's music perfectly captures the mood of the poem, with its gentle, flowing melody and rich harmonies. The song is in ABA form, with the first and third sections set to the same music and the middle section contrasting in mood and melody. The opening section is marked "Andante con moto" and features a simple, lyrical melody in the piano, which is then taken up by the voice. The middle section is marked "Allegro vivace" and is more dramatic, with a faster tempo and a more complex melody. The final section returns to the opening melody, but with a slightly different harmony and a more subdued mood. One of the characteristics of Fanny's music is her use of rich harmonies and chromaticism. In "Dämmrung senkte sich von oben," she uses a variety of chords and modulations to create a sense of depth and complexity. Another characteristic is her sensitivity to the text, which is evident in the way she sets the words to music. The melody and harmony perfectly capture the mood and imagery of Goethe's poem. Overall, "Dämmrung senkte sich von oben" is a beautiful and evocative song that showcases Fanny Mendelssohn's talent as a composer. Its gentle melody and rich harmonies make it a perfect example of the Romantic Lied tradition, and its sensitivity to the text shows Fanny's skill as a composer and her deep understanding of poetry.

More....